tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25024304498727602782015-07-31T04:46:22.306-04:00Ministry Best PracticesEquipping Leaders for Innovative MinistryBill Reicharthttps://plus.google.com/100710655377469978183noreply@blogger.comBlogger1338125blogspot/cLZChttps://feedburner.google.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502430449872760278.post-76100027957068148752015-07-20T11:00:00.000-04:002015-07-20T11:00:08.123-04:004 Reasons You Need To Re-think Your Coffee Consumption<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QUL6fj9B8aA/Vav0TRJ2VUI/AAAAAAABBIE/fQX-9Q7VMos/s1600/6463152951_05056b14cd_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QUL6fj9B8aA/Vav0TRJ2VUI/AAAAAAABBIE/fQX-9Q7VMos/s640/6463152951_05056b14cd_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></div><br /><br /><b>It’s complicated.</b><div><b><br /></b>No, not my relationship status. I’ve been (very) happily married for 17 years.<br /><br />With coffee. Or, more accurately, caffeine.<br /><br />On the one hand, I love coffee. The different varieties and their subtle differences. The taste. I even roast my own and love geeking out on all the best equipment. (That I can afford, anyway). Nothing wrong with all that.<br /><br />On the other hand, sometimes I’m not sure who’s in charge. I’ve had headaches and gotten grouchy when I don’t get my morning joe. I’ve been late to meetings - and even church - in an effort to fit it in.<br /><br />Maybe your relationship with coffee is complicated, too. Let’s talk about 4 reasons why it’s critical for us, especially as ministry leaders, to consume our coffee (or anything caffeinated) thoughtfully and responsibly.<br /><br /><i>[I’ve included some simple ways to break free from our caffeine addiction - without giving up coffee - <a href="https://bryanstoudt.leadpages.co/leadbox/14275ef73f72a2%3A1302a7e48346dc/5681034041491456/"><b>in this short (and free) download</b></a>].</i><br /><br /><b><i>What’s At Stake</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>As disciples of Christ, our entire lives belong to him. Our bodies and coffee included. So there’s more at stake than you might think.<br /><br /><b>1. <i>Your health is at stake.</i></b><i> </i> I’m not cracking down so much on the amount of caffeine you consume. Experts seem to think that<b> <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20045678">adults can safely enjoy up to 400 milligrams each day</a>,</b> roughly equivalent to 4 brewed (8 ounce) cups of coffee. The bigger concern here is that, as busy ministry leaders, we can push and push. And push. We can skimp on the 7-8 hours of sleep we need every night, do too much, and use caffeine to top off our (empty) tanks.<br /><br /><b>2. <i>Your credibility is at stake.</i></b> The people we serve rightly expect us to live lives of greater integrity than the average Christian. Paul said, for example, that ‘every athlete exercises self-control in all things… but I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified’. (1 Corinthians 9:27) If he didn’t exercise self-control, he couldn’t ask others to listen to what he taught. Neither can you. If caffeine owns us, how can we encourage others to be owned by God?<br /><br /><b>3. <i>Your fruitfulness in ministry is at stake.</i></b> If you’re like me, you got into ministry because you wanted to change the world for God. The results are up to God, but we should expect to see some fruitfulness from our efforts, right? John the Baptist told his listeners, for example, to ‘bear fruit in keeping with repentance… every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire’. (John 3:8,10) But if people don't respect us, they won't listen to us, and the fruit of our ministry is in jeopardy. <br /><br /><b>4. <i>Your relationship with God is at stake.</i></b><i> </i> I know, I know - it sounds like I’m being dramatic. I’m not… suggesting that your salvation is at stake. God’s got that, regardless of how much we fail (see Romans 8:28). <br /><br />But the quality of our relationship with God is related to the choices we make, just load in any relationship. If we’re routinely missing out on sleep in an effort to accomplish more, for example, that’s a deeply spiritual, gospel issue. <br /><br />As ministry leaders, we can be a lot like much of professional, corporate America, relying on what we do to find our value. Instead of what God has done once and forever in Christ on our behalf. ‘He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior’ (Titus 3:5-6). <br /><br />This is the heart of the Christian life. If there’s one thing we - and the people we serve - need to get and grow into - it’s this. With God’s help, we’ve got to lead out here. And not just in theory (I believe this), but in practice (I believe this and show it by the way I live it out, however imperfectly). <br /><br />With God’s help, we can. There's way too much at stake to let coffee get in the way.<br /><br />Let’s live it out: Describe your relationship with caffeine. If ‘it’s complicated’, in what ways could it be more healthy?<br /><br /><i>Bryan Stoudt is a pastor in Philadelphia, and blogs about learning to follow Jesus in a noisy, broken world at <a href="http://www.bryanstoudt.com/"><b>bryanstoudt.com</b></a>. He is absolutely crazy about all things coffee. If you want 8 simple tips about reconsidering your relationship with caffeine, you can get them <b><a href="https://bryanstoudt.leadpages.co/leadbox/14275ef73f72a2%3A1302a7e48346dc/5681034041491456/">with this short (and free) download bonus</a>. </b></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/54209294@N02/6463152951/">Noelle Buske</a> via <a href="http://compfight.com/">Compfight</a> <a href="https://www.flickr.com/help/general/#147">cc</a></span></i></div><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/cLZC/~4/4SFaDvM7elY" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Bill Reicharthttps://plus.google.com/100710655377469978183noreply@blogger.com2http://www.ministrybestpractices.com/2015/07/4-reasons-you-need-to-re-think-your.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502430449872760278.post-73822254866898815552015-07-07T10:00:00.000-04:002015-07-07T10:00:03.917-04:00A Must Read For Those In Ministry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tS2ILEsSuKU/VZr_juVQBzI/AAAAAAABATA/fj-3JAlD87M/s1600/dangercalling_tab_905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dangerous Calling" border="0" height="440" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tS2ILEsSuKU/VZr_juVQBzI/AAAAAAABATA/fj-3JAlD87M/s640/dangercalling_tab_905.jpg" title="Dangerous Calling" width="640" /></a></div>There are few books that I would insist are must reads for those in - or going into &nbsp;- vocational ministry - but Dangerous Calling is one such book.<br /><br /><b>Here are some reviews:</b><br /><br /><i>“Few would regard a pastor’s role as a dangerous calling, but few people are as qualified and insightful as Paul Tripp to penetrate the snares and potential pitfalls associated with pastoral ministry. Fewer still would prescribe such gospel based and local church rooted remedies. This excellent volume should be read, re-read &amp; applied.”</i><br /><b>—Terry Virgo, founder, Newfrontiers</b><br /><div><br /></div><div><i>“Dangerous Calling is a dangerous book to read. It is also a book every person in ministry should read. It will cut you to the heart and bring massive conviction if you read it with a humility and ask God to expose sins deeply hidden in your soul. It cuts, but it also provides biblical remedies for healing. I would love to put this book in the hand of every seminarian who walks on my campus.”</i><br /><b>—Daniel L. Akin, President, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary</b></div><div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="325" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/49022805" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="600"></iframe> <br />You can read a sample chapter <b><a href="http://static.crossway.org/excerpt/dangerous-calling/dangerous-calling-download.pdf" target="_blank">HERE</a></b><br /><br />You can buy the book <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1433535823/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1433535823&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=provocchurch-20&amp;linkId=CHSQYKGK5ZU3LLF5" target="_blank">HERE</a></b></div><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/cLZC/~4/EXI1fWkbMps" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Bill Reicharthttps://plus.google.com/100710655377469978183noreply@blogger.com22http://www.ministrybestpractices.com/2015/07/a-must-read-for-those-in-ministry.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502430449872760278.post-23766820424010538722015-06-12T11:30:00.000-04:002015-06-12T11:30:00.169-04:005 Barriers To Your Church's Growth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HeVJOMDRa8k/VXpKRIr23zI/AAAAAAAA9Vs/SF3wRRDkv-I/s1600/highwayconstruction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HeVJOMDRa8k/VXpKRIr23zI/AAAAAAAA9Vs/SF3wRRDkv-I/s640/highwayconstruction.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Here is a list of the classic growth barriers every church will or is currently facing. &nbsp;Under each is a quick summary of Nelson Searcy’s thoughts on each.<br /><br /><b>Space</b><br /><ul><li>When a room reaches 70% of its seating capacity, it’s full.</li><li>Most churches face growth barriers when attendance reaches 65, 125, 250, 500, and 1,000.</li><li>It is better to grow to 300 or 400 before starting a second service.</li></ul><b>Self-Development</b><br /><ul><li>If the church leaders have stopped maturing spiritually and progressing personally, the congregation is not far behind.</li><li>Warning signs include stale sermons, the congregation’s passion waning, and the halt of staff and church growth.</li></ul><b>Sharing</b><br /><ul><li>Churches stop growing when they become inwardly (instead of outwardly) focused.</li><li>Healthy churches should have a 5:100 ratio of first-time guests.</li></ul><b>Weekly Worship Service</b><br /><ul><li>To keep your service strong, always try to look like a church twice your size.</li></ul><b>Staff</b><br /><ul><li>Hiring staff is truly a faith issue. Many pastors want to put off staff hires until they have the money in place to support the positions. Sounds like a practical plan, but unfortunately, it doesn’t work. You will never have enough money in advance to hire the staff you need.</li></ul><div>Read the entire article<b><a href="http://www.outreachmagazine.com/features/3501-Nelson-Searcy-Barriers-Church-Growth.html">&nbsp;HERE</a></b></div><div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=kJsOueYH2bg:lcr-BTfQVe8:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=kJsOueYH2bg:lcr-BTfQVe8:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=kJsOueYH2bg:lcr-BTfQVe8:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?i=kJsOueYH2bg:lcr-BTfQVe8:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=kJsOueYH2bg:lcr-BTfQVe8:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=kJsOueYH2bg:lcr-BTfQVe8:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?i=kJsOueYH2bg:lcr-BTfQVe8:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/cLZC/~4/kJsOueYH2bg" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Bill Reicharthttps://plus.google.com/100710655377469978183noreply@blogger.com42http://www.ministrybestpractices.com/2015/06/5-barriers-to-your-churchs-growth.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502430449872760278.post-29983271245138011562015-06-10T14:39:00.001-04:002015-06-10T14:39:33.748-04:004 Facts About Seminary Debt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j54SJ2qME4g/VXiBY2x0e5I/AAAAAAAA9VI/ooZDN-jvcQ4/s1600/debt-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Student Debt" border="0" height="530" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j54SJ2qME4g/VXiBY2x0e5I/AAAAAAAA9VI/ooZDN-jvcQ4/s640/debt-2.jpg" title="Student Debt" width="640" /></a></div>Being called into vocational ministry and going to seminary to prepare for that call can be a wonderful blessing. I have fond memories of my time in seminary. Yet there is another side to the coin - the cost of seminary and the mountain of debt that a student can incur to finish seminary. If you are a student considering seminary (or know someone who is) here are 4 important facts to be aware of.<br /><br />1. A majority of seminary students will take on debt<br />2. Seminary students already bring lots of debt with them from the undergraduate education<br />3. There is a lot of regret with seminary grads in regard to their debt and what they didn't know<br />4. Ministry jobs don't pay enough to adequately repay that debt<br /><br />None of these facts alone should dissuade you from going to seminary, but you should at least be aware of the financial issues and count the cost (literally!)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DwNINrAXzDE/VXiAwZ1SUMI/AAAAAAAA9Us/yjHtTjg_KRE/s1600/Seminary_Scholarships___5_Facts_About_Seminary_Debt___Infographic.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DwNINrAXzDE/VXiAwZ1SUMI/AAAAAAAA9Us/yjHtTjg_KRE/s640/Seminary_Scholarships___5_Facts_About_Seminary_Debt___Infographic.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oMcYHGa1hAM/VXiAwRQaPRI/AAAAAAAA9Uo/IJ3QmqmTxX0/s1600/Seminary_Scholarships___5_Facts_About_Seminary_Debt___Infographic_1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jFUQw_Vi28w/VXiAwyviMGI/AAAAAAAA9U4/-DSeJTiBYpc/s1600/Seminary_Scholarships___5_Facts_About_Seminary_Debt___Infographic_3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jFUQw_Vi28w/VXiAwyviMGI/AAAAAAAA9U4/-DSeJTiBYpc/s640/Seminary_Scholarships___5_Facts_About_Seminary_Debt___Infographic_3.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FLaUjWfS3iE/VXiAwQqowXI/AAAAAAAA9Uw/k0MN-vmRoUc/s1600/Seminary_Scholarships___5_Facts_About_Seminary_Debt___Infographic_2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FLaUjWfS3iE/VXiAwQqowXI/AAAAAAAA9Uw/k0MN-vmRoUc/s640/Seminary_Scholarships___5_Facts_About_Seminary_Debt___Infographic_2.png" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oMcYHGa1hAM/VXiAwRQaPRI/AAAAAAAA9Uo/IJ3QmqmTxX0/s1600/Seminary_Scholarships___5_Facts_About_Seminary_Debt___Infographic_1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oMcYHGa1hAM/VXiAwRQaPRI/AAAAAAAA9Uo/IJ3QmqmTxX0/s640/Seminary_Scholarships___5_Facts_About_Seminary_Debt___Infographic_1.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />(ht: <b><a href="http://seminaryscholarships.org/5-facts-about-seminary-debt-infographic/" target="_blank">Seminary Scholarships</a></b>)<div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/cLZC/~4/x-LX-iSXh8w" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Bill Reicharthttps://plus.google.com/100710655377469978183noreply@blogger.com0http://www.ministrybestpractices.com/2015/06/4-facts-about-seminary-debt.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502430449872760278.post-6580769889265241842015-06-08T14:41:00.000-04:002015-06-08T14:41:22.267-04:00Want To Create Awesome Visual Content For Social Media?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_7AwabBxlJI/VXXhh_NdnAI/AAAAAAAA9MA/FACpeSsWQTQ/s1600/Visual-Content-on-Social-Media.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Visual Content" border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_7AwabBxlJI/VXXhh_NdnAI/AAAAAAAA9MA/FACpeSsWQTQ/s640/Visual-Content-on-Social-Media.png" title="Visual Content" width="640" /></a></div>You probably are well aware that using eye-popping visual content for your church/ministry on social media channels increases engagement with your audience tremendously. If you have any doubts, look at these statistics below. According to <a href="http://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/visual-content-marketing-strategy" target="_blank"><b>HubSpot</b></a>:<div><br /><div><ul><li>Facebook posts that feature photos account for 87% of interactions on the site. (Source: <a href="http://www.emarketer.com/Article/Photos-Cluttering-Your-Facebook-Feed-Herersquos-Why/1010777/1" target="_blank"><b>eMarketer</b></a>)</li><li>Tweets with images receive 18% more clicks, 89% more favorites, and 150% more retweets than those without. (Source: <a href="https://blog.bufferapp.com/the-power-of-twitters-new-expanded-images-and-how-to-make-the-most-of-it" target="_blank"><b>Buffer</b></a>)</li><li>Even tweets that only have a link to a photo or video receive a boost in retweets averaging 35% and 28%, respectively. (Source: <a href="https://blog.twitter.com/2014/what-fuels-a-tweets-engagement" target="_blank"><b>Twitter</b></a>)</li><li>In 2014, 70% of marketers planned to increase their use of original visual assets like infographics and memes. Visual content also ranked first among content types marketers want to learn more about. (Source: <a href="http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/SocialMediaMarketingIndustryReport2014.pdf" target="_blank"><b>Social Media Examiner</b></a>)</li></ul><div>Of course the key to designing and sharing great visual content is knowing the appropriate dimensions necessary for each individual social media site (btw, <b><a href="http://www.canva.com/" target="_blank">Canva.com</a></b> does a great job in helping you keep to the necessary image sizes)</div><div><br /></div><div>Below is a helpful infographic which outlines the various social media image sizes.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://designschool.canva.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/05/Canva_social-media-image-sizes-infographic-1060x5093.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="2887" src="https://designschool.canva.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/05/Canva_social-media-image-sizes-infographic-1060x5093.png" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(ht: <b><a href="https://designschool.canva.com/blog/social-media-image-size/" target="_blank">Canva.com</a>)</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.8); font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 1.125em; line-height: 1.66667em; margin-bottom: 1.33333em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div></div><div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=7zWRdln4JbI:i23J5TG55iA:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=7zWRdln4JbI:i23J5TG55iA:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=7zWRdln4JbI:i23J5TG55iA:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?i=7zWRdln4JbI:i23J5TG55iA:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=7zWRdln4JbI:i23J5TG55iA:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=7zWRdln4JbI:i23J5TG55iA:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?i=7zWRdln4JbI:i23J5TG55iA:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/cLZC/~4/7zWRdln4JbI" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Bill Reicharthttps://plus.google.com/100710655377469978183noreply@blogger.com1http://www.ministrybestpractices.com/2015/06/want-to-create-awesome-visual-content.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502430449872760278.post-87413874757571408532015-06-05T12:36:00.003-04:002015-06-05T12:36:38.715-04:00Is your church asking too much info from first-time visitors?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iAqUOTRlFMw/VW-8XVIWjNI/AAAAAAAA9C4/83Cf75YFMNc/s1600/visitor-620x413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iAqUOTRlFMw/VW-8XVIWjNI/AAAAAAAA9C4/83Cf75YFMNc/s640/visitor-620x413.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>When a first time visitor comes to your church, how much information do you ask from them? You may assume that because someone has visited your church that they are willing to simply divulge as much information as possible to you. Yet a first-time guest to your church may not be as willing to do so as you think, in fact, many first-time visitors may be simply there to check out your church with relative anonymity. Or perhaps there is general concern that divulging too much information may invite unwelcomed communication from the church - communication that they are not ready yet to receive.<br /><br />So the question is, how much information should you request from a first-time visitor? What information is&nbsp;enough?<br /><br />What information does your church ask of your guests and visitors?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M_q9UOTGOAU/VW-60P5O3LI/AAAAAAAA9Cs/fYWCAXFHCl0/s1600/11351291_10154146217074815_6675773468065848189_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="593" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M_q9UOTGOAU/VW-60P5O3LI/AAAAAAAA9Cs/fYWCAXFHCl0/s640/11351291_10154146217074815_6675773468065848189_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=mjwYSX_iIyc:YHXR87v7IcE:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=mjwYSX_iIyc:YHXR87v7IcE:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=mjwYSX_iIyc:YHXR87v7IcE:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?i=mjwYSX_iIyc:YHXR87v7IcE:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=mjwYSX_iIyc:YHXR87v7IcE:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=mjwYSX_iIyc:YHXR87v7IcE:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?i=mjwYSX_iIyc:YHXR87v7IcE:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/cLZC/~4/mjwYSX_iIyc" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Bill Reicharthttps://plus.google.com/100710655377469978183noreply@blogger.com0http://www.ministrybestpractices.com/2015/06/is-your-church-asking-too-much-info.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502430449872760278.post-45816840596421314432015-06-03T10:00:00.000-04:002015-06-03T10:00:07.197-04:00How To Create Quality Videos In Just A Snap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o_F8I1mR0h0/VW4mO0oJoJI/AAAAAAAA8_k/aXd3PxLJR0w/s1600/WordLens.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="840" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o_F8I1mR0h0/VW4mO0oJoJI/AAAAAAAA8_k/aXd3PxLJR0w/s640/WordLens.png" width="600" /></a></div><div>Animoto has been one of my go-to video creation app for years. It has been an invaluable ministry tool, allowing me to share the many ministry stories in a powerful way. What I love is that Animoto simplifies video editing by limiting the number of customization options and making most of the editing decisions for you. What it delivers for you in the end is a very professional looking video with impressive results.<br /><br /><b><u>Here are some details:</u></b><br />Compatible with iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch (iOS 7.0+), Android (version 2.2+), and an online version available <a href="https://animoto.com/create">here.</a>&nbsp;</div><div><br />Pricing: Free to try, with plans starting at $9.99/month. But if you are a nonprofit you can apply for their FREE nonprofit license <a href="https://animoto.com/cause" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div><br />Additional paid features: HD videos, longer videos, video downloads, cloud storage, more photos and videos to upload</div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>Here is a short tutorial using the app:</u></b><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>1. Add photos and videos.</b><br />With just a few taps of your finger you can insert your preferred photos and videos from your camera roll. You cannot capture photos or videos from within the app.<br /><br /><b>2. Select editing style.</b><br />Add filters and embellishments to your video by choosing a style theme from the list of provided options.&nbsp;The theme you select will determine how your clips are processed.<br /><br /><b>3. Select soundtrack.</b><br />Animoto provides song options for your video. If you choose to not use a track provided by the app and instead opt for a song you purchased for your personal use, ensure that you are following all copyright laws when you upload your video for the public to view.</div><div><br /><b>4. Add captions and titles.</b><br />Animoto prompts you to include copy for intro and outro titles.&nbsp;You can also add text to your photo and video clips by writing captions for your visuals.&nbsp;In addition you can insert title screens with custom messages throughout your video.<br /><br /><b>5. Animoto generates a preview with automated editing. </b><br />Once Animoto generates your video, you can make minor changes to your design.<br /><br /><b>6. Save and share.</b><br />Share your video via Messages, email, Twitter, and Facebook.&nbsp;If you upgrade to a paid version, you can save your video on your device. Although the FREE nonprofit license will automatically give you those features for your church or ministry.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Here is a sample video that I created from a medical mission trip to Haiti using Animoto.</b></div><div><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="338" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JSg1Vi4Ps14?rel=0&amp;controls=0&amp;showinfo=0" width="600"></iframe><div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=VXHzsi7mHIk:lkr6FgUAIVQ:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=VXHzsi7mHIk:lkr6FgUAIVQ:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=VXHzsi7mHIk:lkr6FgUAIVQ:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?i=VXHzsi7mHIk:lkr6FgUAIVQ:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=VXHzsi7mHIk:lkr6FgUAIVQ:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=VXHzsi7mHIk:lkr6FgUAIVQ:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?i=VXHzsi7mHIk:lkr6FgUAIVQ:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/cLZC/~4/VXHzsi7mHIk" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Bill Reicharthttps://plus.google.com/100710655377469978183noreply@blogger.com0http://www.ministrybestpractices.com/2015/06/how-to-create-quality-videos-in-just.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502430449872760278.post-77558454733357651042015-06-01T11:19:00.000-04:002015-06-01T11:19:38.876-04:00Working In The Clouds Or The Dirt?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mFskPYmz-3g/VWx3TFUcawI/AAAAAAAA88c/fh2Fl-UHNoM/s1600/Picture-for-UMind-Article-for-website.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Working Dirt" border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mFskPYmz-3g/VWx3TFUcawI/AAAAAAAA88c/fh2Fl-UHNoM/s640/Picture-for-UMind-Article-for-website.jpg" title="Working Dirt" width="640" /></a></div><b>What kind of leader are you? </b>Are you the kind that always likes to work in the clouds - loves the big picture, generating new ideas, loves to cast vision and motivate others? Or are you the kind of leader that so often works in the dirt - loves building systems, achieving goals and is energized by the details and the process?<br /><br />As a leader you may gravitate to one or the other of these emphases. Yet as a leader we are called to do both...sometimes having to operate in the clouds and sometimes having to operate working in the dirt.<br /><br />So how do you do them both? The infographic below has some great tips for not only starting to generate ideas (working in the clouds), but then making them flourish (working in the dirt).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.churchm.ag/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Bluescape_29870-750x2484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.churchm.ag/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Bluescape_29870-750x2484.jpg" height="1990" width="600" /></a></div><br /><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/cLZC/~4/6O55SZPcOeQ" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Bill Reicharthttps://plus.google.com/100710655377469978183noreply@blogger.com0http://www.ministrybestpractices.com/2015/06/working-in-clouds-or-dirt.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502430449872760278.post-90302228662956378062015-04-09T11:36:00.003-04:002015-04-09T11:40:28.517-04:0012 Unfortunate Reasons Why Churches Neglect Church Discipline<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LaToVKvnzB8/VSacUHT_k5I/AAAAAAAA5GA/75kfejqjHtw/s1600/drowning%2B(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LaToVKvnzB8/VSacUHT_k5I/AAAAAAAA5GA/75kfejqjHtw/s1600/drowning%2B(1).jpg" height="499" width="620" /></a></div><i>excerpted from Chuck Lawless at <a href="http://thomrainer.com/2015/04/09/12-reasons-churches-dont-practice-church-discipline/" target="_blank">Thom Rainer's blog</a></i><br /><div><br /></div><div>Here are the twelve (<i>8 posted here</i>) unfortunate, yet true, reasons why churches neglect church discipline.<br /><br /><ol><li><b>They don’t know the Bible’s teaching on discipline.</b> I can only guess what percentage of regular attenders in evangelical churches even know that the Bible teaches the necessity of church discipline. This topic is one that some pastors choose to avoid.</li><li><b>They have never seen it done before.</b> Some of the reticence to do church discipline is the result of ignorance. Frankly, I admit my own ignorance when I began serving as a pastor 30+ years ago. If you’ve never been part of a church that carried out discipline, it’s easy to let any of these following reasons halt the process.</li><li><b>They don’t want to appear judgmental.</b> “Judge not, lest you be judged” takes precedence over any scripture that calls for discipline, especially in a culture where political correctness rules the day. Judging, it seems, is deemed an unchristian act.</li><li><b>The church has a wide-open front door. </b>Church discipline is challenging to do if membership expectations are few; that is, it’s difficult to hold someone accountable to standards never stated in the first place. The easier it is to join the church, the harder it is to discipline people when necessary.</li><li><b>They have had a bad experience with discipline in the past.</b> For those churches that have done discipline, the memories of poorly done discipline seem to last long. They remember confrontation, judgment, heartache, and division – with apparently no attempt to produce repentance and reconciliation.</li><li><b>The church is afraid to open “Pandora’s box.”</b> If they discipline one church member, they fear establishing a pattern that can’t be halted as long as human beings comprise their congregation. To put it another way, they wonder how many members will remain if they discipline every member with unrepentant sin.</li><li><b>They have no guidelines for discipline. </b>For what sins is discipline necessary? At what point does church leadership choose to make public a private sin? Rather than wrestle with tough questions, many churches just ignore the topic.</li><li><b>They fear losing members (or dollars). </b>We hope no congregation makes decisions based solely on attendance and income, but we know otherwise. Sometimes churches tolerate sin rather than risk decline.</li></ol><div><i>Read the last 4 at the <b><a href="http://thomrainer.com/2015/04/09/12-reasons-churches-dont-practice-church-discipline/" target="_blank">original post</a></b></i></div></div><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/cLZC/~4/IkNOaw5LgWU" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Bill Reicharthttps://plus.google.com/100710655377469978183noreply@blogger.com83http://www.ministrybestpractices.com/2015/04/12-unfortunate-reasons-why-churches.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502430449872760278.post-47881711787931914242015-04-08T11:36:00.001-04:002015-04-08T11:36:08.441-04:003 Keys To Raising Support Before Groups<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nbeZX9iCDdM/VSVKxpvo2vI/AAAAAAAA4yk/Zkl6dhzPmyY/s1600/microphone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nbeZX9iCDdM/VSVKxpvo2vI/AAAAAAAA4yk/Zkl6dhzPmyY/s1600/microphone.jpg" height="307" width="640" /></a></div><div><i><br /></i></div><i>excerpted from <a href="http://supportraisingsolutions.org/three-keys-to-work-the-crowd/" target="_blank">SRS blog</a></i><br /><br />Here are three keys to help direct you as you engage with groups during your support-raising journey. But, understand you will not have near as much time making a presentation to a church or group as you would in a one-on-one appointment. The average amount of time afforded missionary presentations at churches is a whopping 7.5 minutes! <b>Here are the keys</b>:<br /><br /><b>1. Maximize what does work well with groups:</b><br /><ul><li><b>Cast vision for your ministry</b> – This is your primary task throughout your support raising, whether with groups or individuals. Though a crowd won’t be able to experience you moving to the edge of your seat and leaning in as you enthusiastically share about your call and vision for this ministry, they can still sense your passion as you describe your ministry and where God is leading you.</li><li><b>Inspire with stories</b> – Groups have little tolerance for “information dumping” so don’t spend precious time talking about the detailed strategies or the demographics of your assignment. Focus on people! Tell stories about individual lives that have been touched by you or the organization you’re joining. Leave them thinking about a specific person whose eternal future they have a chance to invest in.</li><li><b>Challenge </b>– Make it clear where they fit into the picture you have just painted. No need to appear “needy” or use emotionally manipulative language. Just let them know you are called to a God-sized task and you recognize there is no way you can accomplish it without a solid team of God-called ministry partners standing behind you and holding the ropes.</li></ul><b>2. Minimize what does not work well with groups:</b><br /><ul><li><b>The ASK</b> – Remember in a group the basic axiom is, “everybody’s business is nobody’s business.” So don’t be surprised or disheartened when you don’t get the same type of response from a group as you do making the ask in face-to-face appointments. In a group or church talk clearly about how you are funded through ministry partners, and that you would like to opportunity to talk to many of them more personally about how they can be a part of that team.</li><li><b>Building Relationships</b> – Raising support will always be more about relationships than money, and a group presentation is a great way to spur interest in you and your ministry. Have fun creating a “buzz” about all that God is doing! Leverage their newfound interest into immediate and specific ways they can get involved. Ideally, have sign-up cards that will gather their contact info so you can personally follow up with each one. This fosters the relational connection that is so important to developing lasting ministry partners.</li></ul><b>3. “See the trees in the forest!”— recognize the potential a group holds:</b><br /><ul><li><b>Connect with and cultivate key leaders</b> – Even though you may have a friend or advocate in a certain church, the pastor is both shepherd and gatekeeper and needs to be respected and included. Additionally, missions committee members (and other influencers who know about your work) are important connections to nurture.</li><li><b>Bless them for what they are already doing to support missions. </b>You won’t be the first or only missionary they are associated with, so before you invite them to do even more, start off by thanking them for what they are already doing to advance the Kingdom…even if it doesn’t directly benefit you. Gratitude begets generosity, in your spirit as well as theirs.</li><li><b>Identify smaller sub-sets within the group you can also approach.</b> Enlist the help of an “insider” who knows the various affinity group that operate within the larger assembly you are addressing. These may be Sunday School classes, home groups, men’s or women’s bible studies, youth ministries, etc…Whether or not the large group or church chooses to support you, these smaller groups sometimes yield even greater responses. Just remember as you are make your presentations you are always seeking to channel these potential partners into individual appointments.</li></ul><div><i>read the entire post <b><a href="http://supportraisingsolutions.org/three-keys-to-work-the-crowd/" target="_blank">HERE</a></b></i></div><div><i>subscribe to Support Raising Solutions <b><a href="http://supportraisingsolutions.org/subscribe/" target="_blank">HERE</a></b></i></div><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/cLZC/~4/hE_LHvn7yB4" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Bill Reicharthttps://plus.google.com/100710655377469978183noreply@blogger.com0http://www.ministrybestpractices.com/2015/04/3-keys-to-raising-support-before-groups.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502430449872760278.post-15147231460268485522015-03-20T09:00:00.000-04:002015-03-20T09:00:00.830-04:005 Tips To Help Turn Volunteers Into Superstars!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r9_tJ9DIuVk/VQtytX6v3II/AAAAAAAA1p0/qFyGes6f5fo/s1600/shutterstock_51153595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r9_tJ9DIuVk/VQtytX6v3II/AAAAAAAA1p0/qFyGes6f5fo/s1600/shutterstock_51153595.jpg" height="427" width="620" /></a></div>Ok, sure you've recruited your volunteers, they've signed on the dotted line but <b>NOW WHAT?</b><br /><br />Now you have to <b>TRAIN</b> them! Training though isn't just <b>ONE</b> and <b>DONE</b>, rather it is an ongoing process and investment into your volunteers.<br /><br />Continual training and development is very important. Because it not only helps with your volunteer's overall enjoyment and performance but it also helps in retention. Remember, it takes less energy to continually equip your volunteers than it does trying to recruit new ones.<br /><br /><b>But it's not enough just to train, you need to do it well! But how?</b><br /><br /><b>1. Make sure your volunteers know your ministry's overall mission.</b> Never assume your leaders know your goals if you haven't told them (or told them recently) what they are. People who don't know how they fit into the big picture quickly lose their enthusiasm. Also, always tie your training in to a specific ministry goal or part of the ministry's vision.<br /><br /><b>2. Leave time at the end of each training session to make sure they understand what you taught. </b>Encourage and beg them to ask questions about what they're learning. Never end a training time without asking them to repeat, somehow, what they've learned. Group activities can help reinforce spoken teaching.<br /><br /><b>3. Tell your volunteers where they can get more information on a training topic.</b> Refer your leaders to printed, websites and online video resources that can give more in-depth information on a particular topic.<br /><br /><b>4. Don't assume your volunteers "got it" the first time</b>. Don't be afraid to hit a crucial training topic more than once. For example, if you train your volunteers on building relationships with teenagers, hit the same topic at your next meeting with a lab experience or roll play. Repetition helps makes training STICK!<br /><br /><b>5. Give your volunteers something to take with them that includes the important training tips.</b> It's important for your volunteers to have an ongoing reminder of what they learn in training meetings.<br /><br /><br /><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/cLZC/~4/LpkID5Q8SU4" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Bill Reicharthttps://plus.google.com/100710655377469978183noreply@blogger.com44http://www.ministrybestpractices.com/2015/03/5-tips-to-help-turn-volunteers-into.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502430449872760278.post-33343447498888165882015-03-19T10:00:00.000-04:002015-03-19T10:00:01.438-04:00Visual Inspiration To Motivate And Encourage Your Faith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vYAIIELm2MI/VQpBHeFs_GI/AAAAAAAA1k8/9aXPX5ZpMWI/s1600/inspiration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vYAIIELm2MI/VQpBHeFs_GI/AAAAAAAA1k8/9aXPX5ZpMWI/s1600/inspiration.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>Here are some quotes, made visual, that will challenge and inspire you. These quotes are frequently posted on Ministry Best Practices' social media sites, therefore consider<b> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ministrybestpractices" target="_blank">LIKING us on Facebook</a> </b>and <a href="https://twitter.com/BestMinistry" target="_blank"><b>FOLLOWING us on Twitter</b></a>. When you do follow us on our social media sites, you'll be able to get considerably more thought-provoking and inspiring content throughout the day.<br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Faith?src=hash">#Faith</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Love?src=hash">#Love</a> - Henri Nouwen <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/quote?src=hash">#quote</a> - <a href="http://t.co/sQkdDsKUtI">pic.twitter.com/sQkdDsKUtI</a><br />— MBP (@BestMinistry) <a href="https://twitter.com/BestMinistry/status/578338414044512257">March 18, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt <a href="http://t.co/aZUTMOaFAL">pic.twitter.com/aZUTMOaFAL</a><br />— MBP (@BestMinistry) <a href="https://twitter.com/BestMinistry/status/577577084748476417">March 16, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">“The world isn't scandalized by our freedom but by our fakeness.” ― Tullian Tchividjian <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/quote?src=hash">#quote</a> <a href="http://t.co/uin281IYgK">pic.twitter.com/uin281IYgK</a><br />— MBP (@BestMinistry) <a href="https://twitter.com/BestMinistry/status/577078335995580419">March 15, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">“The world needs Christians who don't tolerate the complacency of their own lives.” - Francis Chan <a href="http://t.co/UYHQK559pW">pic.twitter.com/UYHQK559pW</a><br />— MBP (@BestMinistry) <a href="https://twitter.com/BestMinistry/status/575474735007461376">March 11, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><div id="fb-root"></div><script>(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><br /><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/ministrybestpractices/posts/10153128274730729:0" data-width="500"><div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ministrybestpractices/posts/10153128274730729:0">Post</a> by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ministrybestpractices">Ministry Best Practices</a>.</div></div><br /><div id="fb-root"></div><script>(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><br /><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/ministrybestpractices/posts/10153127643630729:0" data-width="500"><div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ministrybestpractices/posts/10153127643630729:0">Post</a> by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ministrybestpractices">Ministry Best Practices</a>.</div></div><br /><div id="fb-root"></div><script>(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><br /><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/ministrybestpractices/posts/10153123215780729:0" data-width="500"><div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ministrybestpractices/posts/10153123215780729:0">Post</a> by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ministrybestpractices">Ministry Best Practices</a>.</div></div><div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=VAsF7a1dWGs:L9gbwrgC-cU:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=VAsF7a1dWGs:L9gbwrgC-cU:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=VAsF7a1dWGs:L9gbwrgC-cU:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?i=VAsF7a1dWGs:L9gbwrgC-cU:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=VAsF7a1dWGs:L9gbwrgC-cU:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=VAsF7a1dWGs:L9gbwrgC-cU:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?i=VAsF7a1dWGs:L9gbwrgC-cU:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/cLZC/~4/VAsF7a1dWGs" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Bill Reicharthttps://plus.google.com/100710655377469978183noreply@blogger.com2http://www.ministrybestpractices.com/2015/03/visual-inspiration-to-motivate-and.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502430449872760278.post-81136183986512498942015-03-18T11:26:00.006-04:002015-03-18T11:28:08.691-04:00Four Crucial Things To Remember In Your Preaching<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Iz5ztVolNE/VQmYsjpcvDI/AAAAAAAA1j4/qtkuEnPjwOI/s1600/preach-it.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Preaching" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Iz5ztVolNE/VQmYsjpcvDI/AAAAAAAA1j4/qtkuEnPjwOI/s1600/preach-it.jpg" height="426" title="Preaching" width="620" /></a></div><br /><i>Here are 4 great reminders from Tim Keller, taken from his article on&nbsp;<b><a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5315f2e5e4b04a00bc148f24/t/537a728fe4b0d45559686e07/1400533647273/Preaching_in_a_Secular_Culture.pdf" target="_blank">Preaching in a Secular Culture</a>,&nbsp;</b>that we should never forget in our preparation and preaching within the pulpit.</i><br /><i><br /></i><b>1. PREACH TO CHRISTIANS AND NON-CHRISTIANS AT THE SAME TIME</b><i><br /></i><br /><div>Because the gospel is the root of both justification and sanctification.<br /><br />The typical approach to the gospel is to see it as the ABC’s of Christian doctrine, or merely the minimum truth required to be saved, but to rely on more “advanced” biblical principles for progress in the Christian life. If that were the case, then we truly could not focus on both evangelism and spiritual formation at the same time. However, Martin Luther understood that the gospel is not only the way we receive salvation but is also the way to advance at every stage in the Christian life. This is why the first of Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses was “All of life is repentance.”<br /><br />Jonathan Edwards, in his Religious Affections, argues that belief and behavior are inextricably linked and that any failures in Christians are due to unbelief. The antidote to unbelief is a fresh telling of the gospel. Preaching, therefore, is not either for evangelism or edification, because all of us have the same underlying problem.<br /><br /><b>2. PREACH GRACE, NOT MORALISM</b><br /><br />My sermons used to follow this approach:<br /><ul><li>Here is what the text says</li><li>Here is how we must live in light of that text</li><li>Now go and live that way, and God will help you.</li></ul>I came to realize over time that I was doing exactly what Edwards said would not work. I was relying on fear<br /><br />and pride to prompt obedience to God. Although I was doing it indirectly and unconsciously, I was employing<br /><br />preaching to trick the heart instead of reorienting the heart.<br /><br />I have come to realize that my sermons need to follow a different outline:<br /><ul><li>Here is what the text says</li><li>Here is how we must live in light of it</li><li>But we simply cannot do it</li><li>Ah—but there is One who did!</li><li>Now, through faith in him, you can begin to live this way.</li></ul><b>3. PREACH CHRIST FROM EVERY TEXT</b><br /><br />There are, in the end, only two ways to read the Bible: It is either about me or about Jesus. It is either advice to the listener or news from the Lord. It is either about what I must do or about what God has done.<br /><br />Jesus is the true temple, the true prophet, the true priest, the true king, the true sacrifice, the Lamb, the Light,&nbsp;the Bread. The Bible is not about you—it is about him.<br /><br /><b>4. AIM AT THE HEART (NOT THE EMOTIONS, OR EVEN THE MIND)</b><br /><br />We must not assume, for example, if our listeners are materialistic that they only need to be exhorted to give more. Though guilt may help with the day’s offering, it will not alter one’s life patterns. If people are materialistic and ungenerous, it means they have not truly understood how Jesus, though rich, became poor for them. They have not truly understood what it means to have all riches and treasures in Jesus Christ. It means their affections are causing them to cling to material riches as a source of security, hope, and beauty.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Thus in preaching we must present Christ in the particular way that he replaces the hold of competing affections. This takes not just intellectual argument but the presentation of the beauty of Christ. Jonathan Edwards defined a nominal Christian as one who finds Christ useful, while a true Christian is one who finds Christ beautiful for who he is in himself.<br /><br />(<a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5315f2e5e4b04a00bc148f24/t/537a728fe4b0d45559686e07/1400533647273/Preaching_in_a_Secular_Culture.pdf" target="_blank">from Tim Keller's Paper</a>)</div><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/cLZC/~4/ax_NEK268rk" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Bill Reicharthttps://plus.google.com/100710655377469978183noreply@blogger.com0http://www.ministrybestpractices.com/2015/03/four-crucial-things-to-remember-in-your.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502430449872760278.post-35060751661349472422015-03-17T09:30:00.000-04:002015-03-17T09:30:00.200-04:007 Habits Of Highly Effective Pastors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oG-JRoq6U6M/VQdzJHTxTvI/AAAAAAAA1fE/LRFGuo8q1Rg/s1600/Seven-Arts-small-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oG-JRoq6U6M/VQdzJHTxTvI/AAAAAAAA1fE/LRFGuo8q1Rg/s1600/Seven-Arts-small-1.jpg" height="426" width="620" /></a></div><i>excerpted from <a href="http://thomrainer.com/2015/03/16/seven-distinguishing-habits-highly-effective-pastors/" target="_blank">Thom Rainer</a>:</i><br /><br />There are many characteristics most pastors have: prayerful; committed to the Word; dedicated to their families; high character; and others. My interest in this exercise, however, was to find the traits that set them apart from most others. When I finished this assignment, I found seven distinguishing characteristic or habits.<br /><br /><ol><li><b>They have genuine enthusiasm. </b>I am not referring to the vocal cheerleader type. These pastors may be quiet, but their passion and enthusiasm for their churches, their families, and their ministries are evident in all they say and do. It is not a contrived enthusiasm; it is real and contagious.</li><li><b>They are great listeners.</b> When you are around these pastors, they genuinely want to focus on you. They seem to have little desire to talk about themselves; they would rather hear your stories. They can make you feel very important because they genuinely care and genuinely listen.</li><li><b>Their identity is not their vocation.</b> They don’t have to climb a perceived ladder of success because their greatest reward comes from serving Christ in whatever manner He directs them. You don’t have to worry about these pastors manipulating the network or the system for their own advancement. Their identities are in Christ, not their vocations.</li><li><b>They are intentional about personal witnessing.</b> These pastors don’t see the Great Commission as an abstract concept or something that others are supposed to do. They love to share the gospel personally with others. They are also highly intentional about personal witnessing.</li><li><b>They have unconditional love of their critics.</b> So many leaders, pastors included, have limited effectiveness because critics constantly hound them. They are drained emotionally and sometimes walk in fear of the critics. These effective pastors, however, include in their prayer lives intercession for their critics. They learn to love them because they are asking God to help them to have that love.</li><li><b>They have a gentle spirit</b>. We often forget that gentleness is part of the fruit of the Spirit. In this hypercritical social media world, aggression and negativity have become normative, even in our churches. These pastors, to the contrary, have a calm and gentleness that can only come from the Holy Spirit.</li><li><b>They persevere.</b> Ministry is not easy. Local church ministry can be especially difficult. There are too many wounded warriors in our churches. Unfortunately, most of their wounds have come from friendly fire (though I’m not sure the word “friendly” fits well in this metaphor). Highly effective pastors hang in there. Sure, they get hurt. Sure, they get discouraged. But they ultimately keep on doing ministry in God’s power. Though it’s cliché, they look for strength to keep on ministering one day at a time.</li></ol><div>read the entire post <b><a href="http://thomrainer.com/2015/03/16/seven-distinguishing-habits-highly-effective-pastors/" target="_blank">HERE</a></b></div><div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=TTM3NZGYWsw:JrYHHUE6Srk:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=TTM3NZGYWsw:JrYHHUE6Srk:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=TTM3NZGYWsw:JrYHHUE6Srk:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?i=TTM3NZGYWsw:JrYHHUE6Srk:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=TTM3NZGYWsw:JrYHHUE6Srk:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=TTM3NZGYWsw:JrYHHUE6Srk:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?i=TTM3NZGYWsw:JrYHHUE6Srk:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/cLZC/~4/TTM3NZGYWsw" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Bill Reicharthttps://plus.google.com/100710655377469978183noreply@blogger.com0http://www.ministrybestpractices.com/2015/03/7-habits-of-highly-effective-pastors.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502430449872760278.post-1340544526379359632015-03-16T10:41:00.001-04:002015-03-16T15:00:19.338-04:00Why Do Pastors Commit Suicide?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qoPGOxTtg8k/VQbnXsHzP3I/AAAAAAAA1d4/2x1uPr8kjio/s1600/rs_560x415-140221110525-560.Kurt-Cobain-Crying-Statue-2.jl.022114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="crying" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qoPGOxTtg8k/VQbnXsHzP3I/AAAAAAAA1d4/2x1uPr8kjio/s1600/rs_560x415-140221110525-560.Kurt-Cobain-Crying-Statue-2.jl.022114.jpg" height="474" title="crying" width="640" /></a></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="p1">Today we interview Dr. Jeff Stull, a pastor and counselor from Atlanta, GA, about the tragedy of men and women in the pastorate choosing to commit suicide.<br /><span class="s1"><b><br /></b></span><span class="s1"><b>1. Before we talk specifically about pastors and suicide, could you explain to me what are some of the contributing factors that lead a person to commit suicide?</b></span></div><div class="p1"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">The issues common to all of us the idols of success, comfort, control and power unrecognized and unattended to through repentance and faith, accountability and confession, and aloneness and loneliness. These idols take their root and undermine our keeping in step with the spirit. We become a lone wolf easily bullied to by the world the flesh and the devil.</span></div><div class="p1"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>2.&nbsp; What are some of the unique struggles that pastors face? Do you think pastors and ministry leaders are more or less vulnerable than others to committing suicide? Do you think or are you concerned about a growing trend in suicide for pastors?</b></span></div><div class="p1"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">In my experience as I see it, pastors are facing a number of pressures that many people just simply can't comprehend unless they've been there themselves. In general the overwhelming sense of hopelessness when it comes to suicidal ideation - powerlessness is also a big computing factor when it comes to suicidal ideation.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">The call of the gospel to make disciples of all nations in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and discipling them is the common passion for all pastors. People that are called us pastors deeply care. When things don't seem like they are working out and when failure is an actual experience or an imminent prospect - the overwhelming sense of shame can just be too much.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">It can feel as if God's reputation is at stake and it is my job as a pastor to uphold and promote God’s name. So not only have I failed myself and I'm looking at failing others but I'm failing God too. We as pastors can easily lose sight of the gospel of grace and kindness of God towards us. Seminary has not taught us good self-care skills. And so the wellspring of life that we need to work out of in Jesus Christ seems to dry up. By default we have simply depended upon our own skills and our own personal assets. And when we operate and function out of an empty heart - &nbsp;an overwhelming sense of incompetence and failure turns into discouragement which the enemy can easily use to take us out.</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;</div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>3. What can a pastor do and where can they go if they feel as if they are struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts?</b></span></div><div class="p1"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">The last thing a pastor wants to be able to do as the answer man - the hero - the go-to solution provider &nbsp;- is to admit that we have our own needs and neediness. Admitting our need, our isolation and our alienation is absolutely necessary first and foremost. We need to figure out how to join with others - develop a band of brothers - have a good mentor, coach and counselor and not allow the enemy to trick us into believing that we are somehow better than needing one. <i>There is no such thing as an army of one.</i></span></div><div class="p1"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>4. How can a pastor’s congregation or the pastor's family do to better identify when a pastor may be in crisis?&nbsp;</b></span></div><div class="p1"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">This is probably most difficult question to answer. Men in general are more successful at suicide than women because nobody ever sees it coming. We don't talk about our struggles because that exposes our incompetency and weakness. So the best thing a congregation and family can do is to make sure that the above resources are in place. We cannot allow the pastor to become the lone wolf. So we must hold our pastors accountable and insist that they have a band of brothers, that they have a mentor/coaching in place and that they are regularly seeing a good gospel-centered professional counselor. Finding a good gospel centered professional counselor may be more difficult than you think. So promoting courses such as what the Gospel Coalition provides or World Harvest Mission's Sonship curriculum are absolutely necessary.</span></div><div class="p1"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>5. What words of help and comfort would you give to a congregation that has been impacted by their pastor committing suicide?</b></span></div><br /><div class="p1"><span class="s1">First and foremost for the congregation, their community and family I would want to express empathy, sorrow and join with the loved ones in their suffering. Secondly we must step back and reframe our experience and realize that in the midst of the battle, this being a spiritual battle, nobody escapes wounding and suffering in the midst of the expansion of the kingdom of God within.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Yet Romans 8 reminds us that even though we face death all day long, like sheep to the slaughter, we are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus. &nbsp;</span>The gospel enables us and empowers us&nbsp; to choose the path of life. Praise God that He perseveres with us and it is his responsibility to deliver us home into his presence. What joy - what relief - what comfort!</div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ubocGGaVB3M/VQboXSnMQfI/AAAAAAAA1eA/4cobXiTdNOQ/s1600/5606683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ubocGGaVB3M/VQboXSnMQfI/AAAAAAAA1eA/4cobXiTdNOQ/s1600/5606683.jpg" height="200" width="152" /></a></div><i>Dr. R. Jeffrey Stull is a Marriage and Family Counselor who enjoys assisting his clients in developing creative alternatives to everyday life, love and work challenges. He is licensed as a Professional Counselor and a Mental Health Counselor. Jeff has specialized trainings in Relationship Repair, Abuse Recovery, Adolescents, and Mindfulness. He holds certifications in a number of related specialties including Professional Counseling Supervision, Clinical Sexology and Professional Christian Counseling. He serves his clients in Alpharetta and Dahlonega, Georgia and is the founder of both Access Christian Counseling, Inc. and Access Strategies, Inc. <br /><br />As an ordained minister Jeff Stull also serves with Church Multiplication Ministries, Inc., which trains leaders, emerging leaders and Church planters. He consults on leadership development, relationship dynamics, team-building and stress management programs with businesses, non-profits and ministries. Discover more about Jeff and his Counseling Practice at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.accessgrace.com/">www.AccessGrace.com</a></i><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/cLZC/~4/HLmazVwhTDU" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Bill Reicharthttps://plus.google.com/100710655377469978183noreply@blogger.com8http://www.ministrybestpractices.com/2015/03/why-do-pastors-commit-suicide.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502430449872760278.post-18433291531102449082015-03-13T10:00:00.000-04:002015-03-13T10:00:05.882-04:00How To Cure Inattentiveness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yr2RtsIi85E/VQJEKie5BiI/AAAAAAAA1SQ/GgQgnn7qPPE/s1600/present-spray-1024x570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yr2RtsIi85E/VQJEKie5BiI/AAAAAAAA1SQ/GgQgnn7qPPE/s1600/present-spray-1024x570.jpg" height="356" width="630" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />A new product to address smartphone distraction and inattentiveness. Present Spray is for that moment when you realize that the person you thought you were talking to wasn’t actually paying attention to you? Patent pending. &nbsp;Enjoy!<br /><div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="343" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eHmi0bre2nQ?rel=0&amp;controls=0&amp;showinfo=0" width="610"></iframe></div><div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=AuFffLi0IOY:yKTHonraIJA:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=AuFffLi0IOY:yKTHonraIJA:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=AuFffLi0IOY:yKTHonraIJA:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?i=AuFffLi0IOY:yKTHonraIJA:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=AuFffLi0IOY:yKTHonraIJA:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=AuFffLi0IOY:yKTHonraIJA:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?i=AuFffLi0IOY:yKTHonraIJA:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/cLZC/~4/AuFffLi0IOY" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Bill Reicharthttps://plus.google.com/100710655377469978183noreply@blogger.com44http://www.ministrybestpractices.com/2015/03/how-to-cure-inattentiveness.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502430449872760278.post-6626920551593734452015-03-12T09:30:00.000-04:002015-03-12T09:30:02.970-04:00Why Do We Feel The Need To Blame Others?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g8KiK2iJpC8/VQEA5Dq0V4I/AAAAAAAA1Ps/pju9xZAh5m0/s1600/pointing-fingers1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g8KiK2iJpC8/VQEA5Dq0V4I/AAAAAAAA1Ps/pju9xZAh5m0/s1600/pointing-fingers1.jpg" height="418" width="620" /></a></div>You are probably a bit of a blamer - most of us are. In this witty video short, inspirational thinker Brené Brown considers why we blame others, how it sabotages our relationships, and why we desperately need to move beyond this toxic behavior.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="343" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RZWf2_2L2v8?rel=0&amp;controls=0&amp;showinfo=0" width="610"></iframe><br /><br />Spiritually, at the core, blame shifting surfaces when we forget the gospel and fail to apply it to our life. Here below is how blame shifting often manifests itself and how, when we apply the truth of gospel, it brings remedy and arrests our need to blame others.<br /><ul><li><b>Complain:</b> When I complain, I'm looking for sympathy when I suffer.The Gospel says that God identifies with me in my weakness and knows himself what it's like to suffer.</li><li><b>Criticize:</b> When I criticize, I have self-righteously set myself up as the judge of others, but my insight is skewed. I see the sin/mistake/character flaws of others, but I foolishly think I’m exempt. I'm self-deceived. The Gospel tells me that I am a sinner, and that I will not find a worse sinner out there. It was my sin that held him there, and I am often blind to my own sin.</li><li><b>Defend: </b>When I am defensive, I feel a need to explain myself or to get someone to understand me. Ultimately, I'm trying to justify myself. The Gospel says that I can be misunderstood. I don’t have to defend myself, because I can trust myself to "him who judges justly." Jesus is my advocate. He is the best defense attorney in the universe! I don’t have to justify myself, because I am justified in him.</li></ul><div><i>(list from <a href="http://www.christcitymemphis.org/stories/2014/4/2/the-tongue-is-a-fire" target="_blank">Christ City Memphis</a>)</i></div><div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=s3oOmrgF91Y:6hYhpesqVAM:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=s3oOmrgF91Y:6hYhpesqVAM:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=s3oOmrgF91Y:6hYhpesqVAM:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?i=s3oOmrgF91Y:6hYhpesqVAM:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=s3oOmrgF91Y:6hYhpesqVAM:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=s3oOmrgF91Y:6hYhpesqVAM:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?i=s3oOmrgF91Y:6hYhpesqVAM:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/cLZC/~4/s3oOmrgF91Y" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Bill Reicharthttps://plus.google.com/100710655377469978183noreply@blogger.com40http://www.ministrybestpractices.com/2015/03/why-do-we-feel-need-to-blame-others.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502430449872760278.post-35250619825681908002015-03-11T09:54:00.000-04:002015-03-11T09:54:45.498-04:00There Are Only Two Ways To Read The Bible<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7tXk2d1SrO8/VP8sLQicmMI/AAAAAAAA1Mc/PU47BDYJnWA/s1600/HEQIJOURNEYWITHJESUS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7tXk2d1SrO8/VP8sLQicmMI/AAAAAAAA1Mc/PU47BDYJnWA/s1600/HEQIJOURNEYWITHJESUS.jpg" height="480" width="620" /></a></div>This is a very cool video which shows how the Old Testament stories point forward to Christ. This should remind us of what Jesus said to the men on the road to Emmaus. <br /><i><br /></i><i>"He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself."</i> Luke 24:25-27<br /><br />Knowing that Jesus is the focus and center of all Scriptures should guard us from ever preaching another moralistic sermon again - as Pastor Tim Keller aptly says, <i>"There are, in the end, only two ways to read the Bible: <b>It is either about me or about Jesus.</b> It is either advice to the listener or news from the Lord. It is either about what I must do or about what God has done.&nbsp;Jesus is the true temple, the true prophet, the true priest, the true king, the true sacrifice, the Lamb, the Light,&nbsp;the bread. <b>The Bible is not about you—it is about him."</b></i><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="310" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/121265107" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="600"></iframe><br /><br /><i>painting by&nbsp;Chinese artist Dr. He Qi</i><div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=0RF7MF15Zck:Aw9VSAm4Wvc:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=0RF7MF15Zck:Aw9VSAm4Wvc:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=0RF7MF15Zck:Aw9VSAm4Wvc:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?i=0RF7MF15Zck:Aw9VSAm4Wvc:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=0RF7MF15Zck:Aw9VSAm4Wvc:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=0RF7MF15Zck:Aw9VSAm4Wvc:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?i=0RF7MF15Zck:Aw9VSAm4Wvc:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/cLZC/~4/0RF7MF15Zck" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Bill Reicharthttps://plus.google.com/100710655377469978183noreply@blogger.com0http://www.ministrybestpractices.com/2015/03/there-are-only-two-ways-to-read-bible.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502430449872760278.post-59925405858390045392015-03-10T08:35:00.002-04:002015-03-10T08:35:58.475-04:00Are You Failing To Ask Donors For Money?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHe1QgNMBaA/VP7klzHnQbI/AAAAAAAA1MM/szrhZCfaK9w/s1600/donate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHe1QgNMBaA/VP7klzHnQbI/AAAAAAAA1MM/szrhZCfaK9w/s1600/donate.jpg" height="429" width="620" /></a></div><b>Are you afraid to ask donors for money? </b>Unfortunately many people are, and yet the irony is that even some of them are "fundraisers" themselves.<br /><br />But have you ever considered the thought, what if donors <b>WANT</b> to be asked? In this video, you’ll hear two stories of when donors weren’t asked…and the development person who regretted&nbsp;<b>NOT </b>asking.<br /><br />Click the image below to go to the video and watch and learn from other people’s mistakes. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://moviemondays.com/asking/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jLbRYqel60w/VP7ikfapIaI/AAAAAAAA1MA/MmRC_e0wf04/s1600/Failing_to_ask_donors_for_money_.jpg" height="366" width="610" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />(ht: <b><a href="http://moviemondays.com/asking/" target="_blank">Movie Mondays</a></b>)<br /><br /><div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=1H19u0Si9wY:fY2e2Mcv0cA:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=1H19u0Si9wY:fY2e2Mcv0cA:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=1H19u0Si9wY:fY2e2Mcv0cA:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?i=1H19u0Si9wY:fY2e2Mcv0cA:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=1H19u0Si9wY:fY2e2Mcv0cA:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=1H19u0Si9wY:fY2e2Mcv0cA:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?i=1H19u0Si9wY:fY2e2Mcv0cA:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/cLZC/~4/1H19u0Si9wY" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Bill Reicharthttps://plus.google.com/100710655377469978183noreply@blogger.com0http://www.ministrybestpractices.com/2015/03/are-you-failing-to-ask-donors-for-money.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502430449872760278.post-63390357064781242112015-03-09T10:33:00.000-04:002015-03-09T10:33:44.112-04:00Churches Take Notice Of The Top Web Trends For 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LR_EPpIxWIw/VP2trLoufTI/AAAAAAAA1IA/WY7DskSLzW0/s1600/inversion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LR_EPpIxWIw/VP2trLoufTI/AAAAAAAA1IA/WY7DskSLzW0/s1600/inversion.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>Here are the top 5 web trends of 2015. Here are some highlights, that churches should pay attention to!<br /><br /><ul><li>Americans spend 2.5 hours/day on mobile devices and 57% of people will not recommend someone if the website looks bad on a mobile device.</li><li>The average attention span for an adult online is only about 8 seconds. You do not have long to get your content to your website viewers.</li><li>40% of people respond better to visual information than plain text (so your website better use video and picture media to tell your story..not just words)</li></ul><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.churchm.ag/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Top-5-Web-Trends-of-2015-Infographic.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.churchm.ag/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Top-5-Web-Trends-of-2015-Infographic.jpeg" /></a></div><br />(ht: <b><a href="http://churchm.ag/web-trends-of-2015/" target="_blank">ChurchMag</a></b>)<div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=i9j3jFiZcyg:kM82RIGFjDo:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=i9j3jFiZcyg:kM82RIGFjDo:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=i9j3jFiZcyg:kM82RIGFjDo:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?i=i9j3jFiZcyg:kM82RIGFjDo:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=i9j3jFiZcyg:kM82RIGFjDo:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=i9j3jFiZcyg:kM82RIGFjDo:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?i=i9j3jFiZcyg:kM82RIGFjDo:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/cLZC/~4/i9j3jFiZcyg" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Bill Reicharthttps://plus.google.com/100710655377469978183noreply@blogger.com10http://www.ministrybestpractices.com/2015/03/churches-take-notice-of-top-web-trends.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502430449872760278.post-33884321662828914692015-02-26T10:00:00.000-05:002015-02-26T10:40:26.150-05:007 Simple Ways You Can Stop Hiding And Start Building Others Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I0mcTzwSxSc/VO5egdY0teI/AAAAAAAA0mU/ZsmR7Qyhm0E/s1600/heartinhands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I0mcTzwSxSc/VO5egdY0teI/AAAAAAAA0mU/ZsmR7Qyhm0E/s1600/heartinhands.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div><i>Guest contributor<a href="http://www.bryanstoudt.com/" target="_blank"> Bryan Stoudt</a>:</i><br /><div><br /></div><div>There it was, in plain sight. Another candy wrapper. Well, not quite in plain sight. It was ‘hidden’ behind one of my kids’ pillows, but let’s just say this was not the work of a master thief.<br /><div><br />When I asked her about it, the denials were prolific and amazingly creative. <br /><br />I found myself getting annoyed and self-righteous. The truth is, though, that I am just like her. And you are, too. In reality we’re all a mess. We just don’t want anyone else to know about it.<br /><br /><b>The Tremendous Power Of Confession And Vulnerability</b><br /><b><br /></b>The cost of our cover-up is incredibly high. Like Adam and Eve long ago, when we hide our sin, we become isolated from God, each other, and everything that’s good.<br /><br />But God has given us some powerful - if painful - alternatives. James 5:16 lays out an important principle for us. ‘Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed’.<br /><br />Of course, God alone can ultimately heal and forgive. James reminds us, though, that God is at work when we confess our sins to other believers.<br /><br />But we should also let others in on our weaknesses, not just our sins. In 2 Corinthians 12:1-10, Paul tells the Corinthians about some sort of physical weakness, a ‘thorn in the flesh’, that God gave him to keep him humble. He hadn’t done anything wrong, but he let them the church in on this challenge.<br /><br /><b>7 Ways You Can Make It Practical Today</b></div><div><br /></div><div>So, here are 7 practical ways we can come out of hiding and fear to experience the freedom and confidence the gospel offers.&nbsp;</div><div><br /><ol><li>Admit it when we make a mistake or sin. Instead of hoping others won’t find out, we can go and admit it up front.&nbsp;</li><li>Share a real-time weakness or struggle. It’s easy to talk about something we’ve conquered, but sharing a current struggle shows others you need grace right now.</li><li>Include confession in your prayer times. It’s fine to request prayer for your next exam or your Aunt Matilda’s hangnail. But confessing your failures, then praying about them, lets others in where you really need support.&nbsp;</li><li>Seek out mentors and other resources, then tell others about it. When we find mentors, read books and seek others’ input, we’re quietly admitting we need help. (Bonus: share what you’re learning).</li><li>Invite questions and accountability. We can proactively ask others how we’re doing and invite their feedback and accountability. At a retreat this past week, I was impressed when the center’s president sincerely invited my wife and I to let him know how they can improve.</li><li>Be gracious toward others - and yourself. When we don’t get worked-up about others’ - and our own - failures , we demonstrate we believe God can overcome them. And people will be more honest with us instead of hiding.</li><li>Compliment others. When you sing others’ praises, you show that you’re secure enough to learn from them and build them up. One older friend and mentor I know is incredibly generous in praising others, even those younger and less mature than he is. It always feels great to be on the receiving end and gives me courage to press ahead.</li></ol>Opening up and being gracious toward others doesn’t come naturally. But as we do, people experience God’s grace through us and we’ll get to a depth of relationship that we’ve never experienced before.<br /><br /><b>Question: As you reflect on the ideas above, which one would help you the most? What other ways do you cultivate a life of vulnerability and grace?</b><br /><br /><i>Bryan Stoudt is a graduate of Westminster Theological Seminary and pastors healthcare students in Philadelphia, where he serves as the Christian Medical &amp; Dental Association's Area Director. He and his wife Sharon have four wonderful children. Bryan blogs about 'following Jesus in a noisy, broken world' at <a href="http://www.bryanstoudt.com/"><b>www.bryanstoudt.com</b></a>.</i></div></div><div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=U8cDeU2jLc0:vfqOefiZk-c:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=U8cDeU2jLc0:vfqOefiZk-c:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=U8cDeU2jLc0:vfqOefiZk-c:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?i=U8cDeU2jLc0:vfqOefiZk-c:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=U8cDeU2jLc0:vfqOefiZk-c:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=U8cDeU2jLc0:vfqOefiZk-c:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?i=U8cDeU2jLc0:vfqOefiZk-c:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/cLZC/~4/U8cDeU2jLc0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Bill Reicharthttps://plus.google.com/100710655377469978183noreply@blogger.com57http://www.ministrybestpractices.com/2015/02/7-simple-ways-you-can-stop-hiding-and.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502430449872760278.post-52371362268062128042015-02-23T11:00:00.002-05:002015-02-23T11:00:59.986-05:00Eight Steps For Training Disciples<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6J8TvYEhJHw/VOtOmsQJOJI/AAAAAAAA0dY/Fg_20m6Z5gI/s1600/cf2bd222-f533-413b-8409-9fc94961dde7_photo-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6J8TvYEhJHw/VOtOmsQJOJI/AAAAAAAA0dY/Fg_20m6Z5gI/s1600/cf2bd222-f533-413b-8409-9fc94961dde7_photo-8.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>Robert Coleman’s eloquent and succinct <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0800788087/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0800788087&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=provocchurch-20&amp;linkId=UW3ZW4UNA6UUVVSJ">The Master Plan of Evangelism</a> essentially took apart Jesus’ life and put it back together again, identifying eight steps Jesus used to make and to equip disciples.<br /> Let’s look at a summary of those steps.<br /><br />1. Selection — people were his method. Jesus believed that people should reach other people. He could have used an exclusive barrage of miracles, or he could have brought everything to conclusion while on earth. Instead he chose common men and women like us to reach the world. This demonstrates not only his love for us, but also his confidence in us.<br /><br />2. Association — he stayed with them. With the first disciples, the essence of Jesus’ training meant just letting his disciples follow him. He drew them close to himself, becoming his own school and curriculum.<br /><br />3. Consecration — he required obedience. Jesus expected his disciples to obey him. He didn’t require them to be smart, but he wanted them to be loyal — to the extent that obeying him became the distinguishing mark they were known by. “Disciples” meant they were the Master’s “learners” or “pupils.” Later Jesus’ disciples became known as “Christians” (Acts 11:26), a fitting description of obedient followers who took on the character of their leader.<br /><br />4. Impartation — he gave himself away. Jesus gave his disciples everything: what the Father had given him (John 15:5); his peace (John 16:33); his joy (John 15:11); the keys to his kingdom (Matthew 16:19); and his own glory (John 17:22,24). He withheld nothing, not even his life.<br /><br />5. Demonstration — he showed them how to live. Jesus showed the disciples how to pray, study, and relate to others. More than twenty times the Gospels recount Jesus’ practice of prayer. He taught the disciples about the use of Scripture by extensively using words from the Old Testament. As the disciples saw Jesus interact with Nicodemus, the woman at the well, the rich young ruler, and many others, Jesus showed them how to talk to and how to treat others.<br /><br />6. Delegation — he assigned them work. From day one, Jesus prepared his disciples to take over the mission. He gradually turned over responsibility, sending out the seventy (Matthew 10:1-42) and giving extensive instructions to the Twelve (Luke 10:1-20). He told the disciples to follow his methods, to expect hardships, and to go out in pairs. Following his resurrection, he clearly gave the disciples the responsibility to take the gospel to the entire world (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8).<br /><br />7. Supervision — he kept checking on them. When Jesus gave the disciples work to do, he followed up. He listened to their reports and blessed them. When he was with the disciples, he spent time helping them understand the reason for a previous action or preparing them for a new experience. He used questions, illustrations, warnings, and admonitions to teach the disciples what they needed to know to reach the world.<br /><br />8. Reproduction — he expected them to reproduce. Jesus told the disciples to pray for workers (Matthew 9:36-38), and he called them to teach everyone to obey his teaching (Matthew 28:20). He required the costly elements of leadership development and reproduction, and expected the disciples to reproduce by finding other disciples who would also follow Jesus.<div><br />(ht: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IDHWH12/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00IDHWH12&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=provocchurch-20&amp;linkId=6JS6OT52ZMPXJJTP" target="_blank">The Complete Book of Discipleship: On Being and Making Followers of Christ</a> by Bill Hull)<div class="highlightRow yourHighlight" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-stretch: inherit; margin: 1em 0px 1.5em 2em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div></div></div><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/cLZC/~4/7J69-y-sYSQ" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Bill Reicharthttps://plus.google.com/100710655377469978183noreply@blogger.com5http://www.ministrybestpractices.com/2015/02/eight-steps-for-training-disciples.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502430449872760278.post-1969034341448496762015-02-13T09:30:00.000-05:002015-02-13T09:30:01.690-05:00Best Twitter Posts From The Past Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GguYoSo-3Mg/VN1fGcIjc1I/AAAAAAAA0M4/aZl7S4wSzzY/s1600/Things-Church-have-prepare-before-Getting-into-Twitter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Twitter Church" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GguYoSo-3Mg/VN1fGcIjc1I/AAAAAAAA0M4/aZl7S4wSzzY/s1600/Things-Church-have-prepare-before-Getting-into-Twitter.jpg" height="360" title="Twitter Church" width="620" /></a></div>Here are the most popular Twitter posts from the past week. Don't forget you can get more helpful, engaging, inspiring and fun content by joining Ministry Best Practices' social media communities on Twitter and Facebook.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Twitter - <b><a href="http://www.twitter.com/bestministry" target="_blank">@BestMinistry&nbsp;</a></b></div><div>Facebook - <b><a href="http://www.facebook.com/MinistryBestPractices" target="_blank">MinistryBestPractices</a></b>&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>And of course don't forget to subscribe to Ministry Best Practices via email to get your daily dose of actionable and awesome content delivered daily right to your inbox.<br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">9 Surefire Ways to Make Your Church Completely Ineffective <a href="http://t.co/JsMxNmKMKc">http://t.co/JsMxNmKMKc</a> <a href="http://t.co/uwj51Nk8Yn">pic.twitter.com/uwj51Nk8Yn</a><br />— MBP (@BestMinistry) <a href="https://twitter.com/BestMinistry/status/565209377343565825">February 10, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">The Whole Story of the Bible in 16 Verses? <a href="http://t.co/L3P1RkpSuV">http://t.co/L3P1RkpSuV</a> <a href="http://t.co/8u7TpyfVjK">pic.twitter.com/8u7TpyfVjK</a><br />— MBP (@BestMinistry) <a href="https://twitter.com/BestMinistry/status/565496244903374848">February 11, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">Does Your Church Really Need a Bigger Building? <a href="http://t.co/Xo2AdDcnHe">http://t.co/Xo2AdDcnHe</a> <a href="http://t.co/MLmeqUTfJL">pic.twitter.com/MLmeqUTfJL</a><br />— MBP (@BestMinistry) <a href="https://twitter.com/BestMinistry/status/565873077318606848">February 12, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">Ha, more true than I care to admit.... <a href="http://t.co/QGRkb181po">pic.twitter.com/QGRkb181po</a><br />— MBP (@BestMinistry) <a href="https://twitter.com/BestMinistry/status/565891081485971456">February 12, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">Seven Things Not to Do When Being Considered by a Church <a href="http://t.co/yUKUmbwyAC">http://t.co/yUKUmbwyAC</a> <a href="http://t.co/6c7DxEy5jS">pic.twitter.com/6c7DxEy5jS</a><br />— MBP (@BestMinistry) <a href="https://twitter.com/BestMinistry/status/565964603197501441">February 12, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">3 Reasons Your Church Should Participate In Social Media <a href="http://t.co/hbqkPYclUB">http://t.co/hbqkPYclUB</a> <a href="http://t.co/UL3XEzFcQW">pic.twitter.com/UL3XEzFcQW</a><br />— MBP (@BestMinistry) <a href="https://twitter.com/BestMinistry/status/565995770625921024">February 12, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">7 Easy Ways to Ruin an Otherwise Great Sermon, Message or Talk (And How to Fix It) <a href="http://t.co/SEYC3sedfs">http://t.co/SEYC3sedfs</a> <a href="http://t.co/1CHi7kGdnA">pic.twitter.com/1CHi7kGdnA</a><br />— MBP (@BestMinistry) <a href="https://twitter.com/BestMinistry/status/564929286784954369">February 9, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">The Worst Stage of Burnout: “Brownout” <a href="http://t.co/EsA7ZZ671p">http://t.co/EsA7ZZ671p</a> <a href="http://t.co/i2ho0EHust">pic.twitter.com/i2ho0EHust</a><br />— MBP (@BestMinistry) <a href="https://twitter.com/BestMinistry/status/564838746777214977">February 9, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></div><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/cLZC/~4/i3dZB8E58jo" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Bill Reicharthttps://plus.google.com/100710655377469978183noreply@blogger.com90http://www.ministrybestpractices.com/2015/02/best-twitter-posts-from-past-week.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502430449872760278.post-59728561692357605052015-02-12T09:00:00.000-05:002015-02-12T09:00:03.148-05:00Link Love Thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bI1pYP6rQEs/VNvsuHPslaI/AAAAAAAA0H8/V870O7gSus0/s1600/man-reading-newspaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bI1pYP6rQEs/VNvsuHPslaI/AAAAAAAA0H8/V870O7gSus0/s1600/man-reading-newspaper.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>These are some good reads from the <i>interwebs</i>, we want to share them with you, please check these out:<br /><br /><b><a href="https://leadershipfreak.wordpress.com/2015/02/11/6-core-skills-of-a-leader-who-develops-talent/" target="_blank">6 Core Skills Of A Leader Who Develops Talent</a></b> by Dan Rockwell<div><br /></div><div><b><a href="http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2015/02/11/john-frame-12-questions-to-ask-when-viewing-a-film/" target="_blank">John Frame: 12 Questions To Ask When Viewing A Film </a></b>by Justin Taylor</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="http://io9.com/the-secret-to-overcoming-procrastination-its-not-about-1685239104" target="_blank">The Secret To Overcoming Procrastination: It's Not About Willpower</a></b> by Cheryl Eddy</div><div><br /></div><b><a href="https://blog.evernote.com/blog/2015/02/11/rise-shine-morning-rituals-great-creative-minds/" target="_blank">Rise &amp; Shine: The Morning Rituals Of Our Great Creative Minds</a> </b>by Taylor Pipes<div><br /></div><b><a href="http://www.bloggingtheologically.com/2015/02/11/3-reasons-why-reading-the-bible-feels-like-a-chore/" target="_blank">3 Reasons Why Reading The Bible Feels Like A Chore</a> </b>by Aaron Armstrong<div><br /></div><div><b><a href="http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevindeyoung/2015/02/11/no-grey-area/" target="_blank">No Grey Area</a></b> by Kevin DeYoung</div><div><br /></div><b><a href="http://www.reformation21.org/blog/2015/02/brian-williams-and-the-tragedy-of-the-male-ego.php" target="_blank">Brian Williams And The Tragedy Of The Male Ego</a></b> by Rick Phillips<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=Y3nJ84apiL0:bEhNl0pgbV0:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=Y3nJ84apiL0:bEhNl0pgbV0:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=Y3nJ84apiL0:bEhNl0pgbV0:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?i=Y3nJ84apiL0:bEhNl0pgbV0:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=Y3nJ84apiL0:bEhNl0pgbV0:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?a=Y3nJ84apiL0:bEhNl0pgbV0:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/cLZC?i=Y3nJ84apiL0:bEhNl0pgbV0:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/cLZC/~4/Y3nJ84apiL0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Bill Reicharthttps://plus.google.com/100710655377469978183noreply@blogger.com0http://www.ministrybestpractices.com/2015/02/link-love-thursday.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502430449872760278.post-62293344195147687822015-02-11T10:00:00.000-05:002015-02-11T10:00:01.868-05:00Has Parenting Become America's Religion?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fXYUY_Z1jo8/VNrY9yrK4qI/AAAAAAAA0Eg/eEZNq8xMf34/s1600/Parenting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fXYUY_Z1jo8/VNrY9yrK4qI/AAAAAAAA0Eg/eEZNq8xMf34/s1600/Parenting.jpg" height="426" width="620" /></a></div><i>from <a href="http://growingleaders.com/blog/has-parenting-become-religion/" target="_blank">Tim Elmore:</a></i><br /><br />I just finished speaking at a school, where I did an event for students, faculty, parents and community leaders. It was refreshing to talk to such engaging audiences, both adults and kids. After my parent workshop, one mom approached me with a comment that stopped me in my tracks. She said, “Don’t you think part of our problem today in America is that parenting has become a religion?”<br /><br />Wow. Her remark made me pause to think.<br /><br /><b>I think I agree. Let me tell you why.</b><br /><br />We’ve all seen the signs of this emerging “religion” over the last thirty years:<br /><ul><li>Baby On Board Signs on the back of the mini-van.</li><li>“My Kid is a Super Kid at ABC Elementary School” bumper stickers.</li><li>Trophies and ribbons are given away just for playing on a team.</li><li>Blockbuster movies where kids not only the stars… but also the heroes.</li><li>Entire restaurants and TV networks devoted solely to children.</li><li>Television programs all about parenthood as the primary theme.</li><li>Parents acting like “agents” at school plays or little league games.</li></ul>Yep. Kids are front and center in our minds. Anything less is politically incorrect. Children have actually become the new “scorecard” for our success as adults, and now, parenthood is acting like a religion.<br /><br />Read Tim's entire post <b><a href="http://growingleaders.com/blog/has-parenting-become-religion/" target="_blank">HERE</a></b><br /><br />I have often thought that parenting (and our children) have become America's premiere idol - and that idolatry has definitely crept into our churches and within the body of Christ. <b>Do you agree with Tim's premise? Your thoughts?</b><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/cLZC/~4/fRlYSb00c1g" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Bill Reicharthttps://plus.google.com/100710655377469978183noreply@blogger.com0http://www.ministrybestpractices.com/2015/02/has-parenting-become-americas-religion.html